Police Find Body In Arvada, Won’t Say If It’s Jessica Ridgeway

Authorities investigate the discovery of a body in Arvada on Oct. 10, 2012. (credit: CBS)

WESTMINSTER, Colo. (CBS4) – Westminster police on Wednesday evening announced a body has been found in an open space area in Arvada, but they wouldn’t say if it was Jessica Ridgeway’s body.

Westminster police spokesman Trevor Materasso came out to address the media with Arvada police spokeswoman Jill McGranahan at 7:30 p.m.

“This afternoon a body was discovered near the Pattridge Park open space in the city of (Arvada),” Materasso said. “The Arvada Police Department and the Westminster Police Department are working jointly with additional resources to process that crime scene.

“At this time we’re unable to make any connection to the disappearance of Jessica Ridgeway.”

Materasso said the crime scene would exist through the evening and into Thursday morning. He said police wouldn’t offer any additional information.

Another news briefing will be held Thursday at 6:30 a.m.

Once again on Wednesday there was a large presence of investigators as they were canvassing Jessica Ridgeway’s neighborhood in Westminster.

Investigators sorted through trash, peered over fences, kicked up debris and took a closer look at parked cars. A Subaru was thoroughly searched because authorities said it was a vehicle they missed in earlier rounds.

Neighbors have now tied purple ribbons around trees and posters with her pictures remain.

Jessica’s mother, Sarah Ridgeway, stayed inside her home on Wednesday. Her father, Jeremiah Bryant, and some friends went out of the home for about a 90-minute visit. Victims Assistance workers were seen coming and going from the Ridgeway home.

Sarah Ridgeway with her family (credit: CBS)

Sarah Ridgeway’s coworkers went to her home on Tuesday to deliver food for the family.

“People wanted to donate vacation hours for her to use for being away, but we don’t want them to do that,” Sarah’s employer Bob Pliszka with ParTech said. “We’re just going to take care of Sarah as long as it takes so she can get work off her mind, obviously, during this difficult time.”

Pliszka told CBS4 Sarah is a good employee and has a lot of close friends on her shift. He said her friends are feeling somber, but hopeful.